9th January ff 2020
Crossing a timeline!
January 9th - Lockwood Beck reservoir in search of some good birds at the feeding station. I had heard about a large flock of brambling under the beech trees. They flew off in spectacular fashion as I walked towards the hide. Siskins and treecreepers were also present along with robin, coal tits, chaffinches, great tits.
All quiet on the reservoir itself: a few mallard and a female goldeneye. No geese present.
January 10th & 70th birthday
I normally go birding early on my birthday and get home late afternoon. So, normal routine. I started at the lifeboat station at Hartlepool where I just happened to spot the elusive black redstart on the approach down Ferry Road.
Hartlepool Headland from the lifeboat station.
Red-breasted mergansers just inside the fish quay.
Also present: turnstones and oystercatchers.
Cormorants
The waxwings were reported in Billingham by St. Columba's church.
Back to the Headland, still looking for the long-staying long-tailed duck. Just drake eiders in the sunshine.
No sign but, to my surprise at Marine Point I saw my second black redstart of the day.
